The Gozo Cittadella is a popular destination for tourists, especially during the daytime, when its museums, visitor centre, and the stunning Cathedral are open to the public. You may read more about it by reading this blog. While a daytime visit to the Cittadella is something we recommend, we believe that exploring it at night is an experience often overlooked by many tourists. Our goal is to offer our guests recommendations for making the most of their holidays on the island, and a night walk through the Cittadella is a definite must-do. What’s even better is that guests at our Boutique B&B are always just a 5-minute walk away from what is one of Gozo’s most important attractions.

To begin with, the Gozo Citadel is splendidly illuminated at night, providing photography enthusiasts with numerous opportunities to capture captivating shots for their social media followers or friends back home. Once you step inside the Cittadella, you’ll be enveloped by a sense of serenity and calm, particularly because it is rarely visited after the sun sets. The only sounds you’ll hear are the gentle rustling of the wind and the hourly Cathedral bell tolls. The Citadel square is home to some significant public buildings, notably the island’s sole Cathedral and the Gozo Law Courts. When you face the baroque Cathedral, we recommend starting your walk by taking the street on your left.

The winding, quiet streets within the ancient, fortified town may evoke a certain eerie ambiance as you think about the people they once sheltered and the stories they’ve witnessed throughout the town’s long history. One of these stories is the well-known siege of 1551 when the Gozo Cittadella was besieged by the Ottoman Empire, resulting in over 90% of the island’s population being enslaved by the Turks.

One of the streets within the Citadel is named after Don Bernardo de Opuo. According to legend, Don Bernardo valiantly fought during the Ottoman onslaught of 1551. When he received word that the Cittadella was about to be attacked by the Ottoman Empire, he made the courageous decision to end the lives of his wife and two daughters, choosing death over enslavement, before heroically battling the invading forces. He met his demise at the hands of the Turks, and a plaque still stands outside his residence in his memory.

As you wander through the Cittadella, you’ll come across remnants of houses and structures left untouched since that fateful day. If you walk onto the bastions, you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of Victoria’s city lights just beneath the Cittadella. From this vantage point, you can also admire the illuminated domes of most of Gozo’s churches and the twinkling lights from mainland Malta.

We also recommend taking a closer look at the illuminated workings of the clock tower and crossing the bridge for a different perspective of the Cathedral.

The tranquility, the serenity, the enchanting lighting, the breathtaking vistas, and the intriguing historical tales make a night stroll through the Gozo Cittadella a must-do when considering what to do in Gozo at night. It’s an experience that lets you discover Gozo by night, and it should be at the top of your list when seeking things to do in Gozo.

Opt for Townhouse 17 for your stay in Gozo

Townhouse 17 Boutique B&B is conveniently located in the heart of Victoria, directly opposite the bus terminal that links to every village and bay on Gozo. The B&B is also within easy walking distance of all the key attractions in Victoria, including the Gozo Cittadella, as highlighted in this blog post.

Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast each day and will also receive a 10% discount when using the services of HOG, Cup Cake Cafe, and Chapeau Bistro during their stay at our B&B. Reserve your stay now.